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Glite Dictionary
fledgling startup

fledgling startup

4.2
A new small company in early stages, often using new technology
  • noun
  • /ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ ˈstɑrtʌp/
translation icon : startup emergente
  • The fledgling startup quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to online education.

Examples

  • I'm also the founder of DHS, a fledgling startup business creating educational software for iOS devices as well as other educational content.

    Blog text (25)

  • It has now been more than a year since this fateful day, and I feel it's as good a time as any to review some lessons I have gathered through my first year as CEO of a fledgling startup.

    Blog text (2)

  • After securing funding, the fledgling startup launched its first app in just six months.

  • Many investors are eager to support the latest fledgling startup in the tech industry.

Synonyms

startup
vsfledgling startup
169 3.6

A new company that aims to grow quickly, often in technology

focuses more on being in very early stages and often innovative
upstart
vsfledgling startup
5 6.0

A new company that grows fast and challenges bigger companies

is about an early, often innovative business rather than a rapid challenger
fledgling
vsfledgling startup
1 6.8

A person or group new to an activity with little experience

applies specifically to an early-stage business, not any inexperienced actor

Antonyms

mature
199 3.3

Behaving like an adult and thinking sensibly

established
4.2

Known and accepted because it has existed for a long time

How Established

corporation
∞ 3.7
fledgling startup
4.2

Surface Forms

fledgling startup singular
fledgling startups plural

Morphology

fledgling + startup

The phrase's meaning is directly and transparently built from its parts: 'fledgling' (new/inexperienced) modifies 'startup' (a recently founded company), yielding 'a newly established, early-stage company.' This modifier + noun composition is a common, predictable pattern and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Fledgling startup comes from the picture of a fledgling, a young bird learning to fly, and a startup, a new company. That image of a bird making its first flights helps explain why the term means 'a small, new business' still getting started.